Mary Elizabeth Leinfelder Byrnes, 74, of Lancaster died Wednesday at Essa Flory Hospice Center.

Born in Iowa City, Iowa she was the daughter of the late Dr. Placidus Leinfelder and Dr. Jane Tenney Leinfelder.  She was married to Edward E. Byrnes who died in August of 2006.

In her early years she was an accomplished figure skater.  She was valedictorian of her high school class and graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Dietetics.  While in college she was a member of the Scottish Highlanders Band and a member of a sorority.

She worked as a Dietician at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Northern Indiana Children's Hospital and at a nursing home in Providence, RI.

She was active in the Catholic Church, serving as a lay minister, singing in the choir and playing her flute.  She was an accomplished musician and artist, having played in the Lancaster Senior Orchestra, Providence Senior Orchestra, and Woonsockett Band in Rhode Island.  She was a member of the Art Association in Somerset, NJ, Pittsfield, Mass., Chapatchit, RI, and Willow Street, PA.

She was a Red Cross Swim Instructor and was on a synchronized swimming team in Bridgewater, NJ.

Surviving are six children; Steven K. Byrnes of Chalfont; Eric J. married to Judy Byrnes of Basking Ridge, NJ; Frank E. Byrnes of Pittsfield, Mass.; Andrew C. married to Laurie Byrnes of Lanesboro, Mass.; two daughters; Janet A. married to Ralph Sinclair of Phoenix, Az; Dr. Nancy E. Byrnes of Madison, NJ; 15 grandchildren; one great grandchild; two brothers; Dr. Joseph married to Beverly Leinfelder of Moline, Illinois; Carl married to Susan Leinfelder of Arizona.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster on Saturday at 10:30am.  A viewing will be held from 9:30am until time of service.  Interment in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery.

Flowers will be received or contributions in Mary's memory may be to St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, PA 17603 or to a Mass at a local church of one's choice.  Arrangements by the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, Millersville.